Multiple auto primer system for muzzle-loading firearm

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for loading and ejecting ignition devices into a muzzle-loading firearm. A magazine contains a plurality of ignition devices, which are sequentially loaded from the magazine onto the breech plug of the firearm by a sliding bolt or other loading assembly. After firing, the loading assembly is actuated to extract and eject the spent ignition device and load a new ignition device onto the breech plug.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 10/654,829, filed Sep. 4, 2003; which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/408,127, filed Sep. 4, 2002, the content of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of firearms and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for loading and ejecting primers, percussion caps, and/or other ignition devices into and from a muzzle-loading firearm.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a typical muzzle-loading firearm (including without limitation, muzzle-loading rifles, muskets, shotguns, pistols, cannon, and the like), the main powder charge and the projectile are loaded into the muzzle of the firearm, and a powder ignition source (a “primer”) is provided at the breech end of the barrel. Many such firearms utilize a percussion cap, a 0.209 shotgun primer, a musket cap, or another ignition device as the powder ignition source. The ignition device is typically installed by hand or with a tool onto a nipple of a breech plug with a flash hole that communicates a powder flash from the ignition device into the barrel of the firearm to detonate the main powder charge and propel the projectile toward the target. After firing, the ignition device is typically removed, again by hand or using a tool, and the firearm is reloaded.

This manual installation and removal of ignition devices can be difficult, especially when wearing gloves or when excited. In addition, manually installing and removing ignition devices, one at a time after each firing, is time consuming and may delay a second shot by several seconds or more. Various efforts have been made to speed up the loading process, but none has proven fully satisfactory in reducing the difficulty and delay that typically results from manual installation and removal of single ignition devices.

Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for improved methods and apparatus for installing and removing an ignition device for a muzzle-loading firearm. It is to the provision of an improved method and apparatus meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for installing and removing ignition devices for a muzzle-loading firearm. Briefly described, in one aspect, the present invention is an apparatus for carrying, loading, extracting, and/or ejecting one or more ignition devices in and from a muzzle-loading firearm. The apparatus comprises a magazine for containing at least one ignition device and a loading assembly for loading the ignition device from the magazine to a breech plug of the firearm for firing. Preferably, the apparatus further comprises an extractor for extracting and ejecting the spent ignition device after firing.

In another aspect, the present invention is a magazine for containing a plurality of ignition devices and sequentially dispensing the ignition devices for loading into the breech plug of a muzzle-loading firearm.

In another aspect, the present invention is a muzzle-loading firearm comprising a barrel having a muzzle end and a breech end, a breech plug in the breech end of the barrel, a magazine for containing a plurality of ignition devices, and a loading assembly for sequentially loading ignition devices from the magazine into the breech plug for firing. Preferably, the muzzle-loading firearm further comprises an extractor for extracting and ejecting the spent ignition device after firing.

In yet another aspect, the invention is a method for sequentially loading, extracting, and ejecting ignition devices in and from a muzzle-loading firearm. The method comprises loading a plurality of ignition devices into a magazine, loading the magazine into the muzzle-loading firearm, loading a first ignition device from the magazine into the breech plug of the firearm for firing, and extracting the first ignition device from the breech plug after firing.

Accordingly, the present invention permits users to load ignition devices onto the breech plug of a muzzle-loading firearm much more quickly and easily. In this way, the users can fire their muzzle-loading firearms much more quickly and easily, which makes hunting, target-shooting, and other activities much more enjoyable and productive.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a side view, in partial cross-section, of a portion of a firearm showing a primer magazine and a loading assembly according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view, in cross-section, of the primer magazine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the loading assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an end view of the loading assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side view, in cross-section, of a portion of a firearm showing a primer magazine and a loading assembly according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the loading assembly in the disengaged (bolt open) position.

FIG. 6 is a side view, in cross-section, of the firearm, the primer magazine, and the loading assembly of FIG. 5, with the loading assembly in the engaged (bolt closed) position.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a portion of a firearm, including the barrel assembly, the loading assembly, the trigger assembly, and the primer magazine, according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a detail perspective view of a portion of the loading assembly of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the primer magazine of FIG. 7, loaded with at least one primer.

FIG. 9 is a side view, in cross-section, of the magazine of FIG. 8, loaded with primers.

FIG. 10 is a side view, in cross-section, of the firearm of FIG. 7, showing the loaded primer magazine being inserted into the firearm.

FIG. 11 is a side view, in cross-section, of the firearm of FIG. 7, showing the primer magazine fully inserted and the primer retainer moved to a release position.

FIG. 12 is a side view, in cross-section, of the firearm of FIG. 7, showing the loading assembly moved to the rear position and engaging a primer moved into the breech.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the firearm of FIG. 7, showing a primer extractor engaging the primer in the breech.

FIG. 13A is a detail view of the primer extractor taken from section A of FIG. 13.

FIG. 14 is a side view, in cross-section, of the firearm of FIG. 7, showing the loading assembly and engaged primer moving forward.

FIG. 15 is a side view, in cross-section, of the firearm of FIG. 7, showing the primer inserted into the breech plug.

FIG. 16 is a side view, in cross-section, of the firearm of FIG. 7, showing the loading assembly moving towards the rear of the firearm after extracting the spent primer from the breech plug, just before the spent primer is ejected.

FIG. 17 is a side view, in cross-section, of the firearm of FIG. 7, showing the loading assembly moving towards the rear of the firearm, just after the spent primer has been ejected by the ejector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

FIGS. 1-3 show a multiple auto primer system 10 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system 10 is included on a firearm 12 for sequentially loading, extracting, and ejecting ignition devices 14 for igniting the main powder charge in the breech end 15 of the barrel 16 of the firearm 12. The ignition devices 14 can be, for example, percussion caps, musket caps, 0.209 shotshell primers, other types of ammunition primers, blank ammunition rounds, starter pistol rounds, electronic igniters, cartridges without a main charge or bullet, or any other type of ignition source or primer. Additionally, “primers” can include all devices that are loaded into the firearm to initiate muzzle-loading fire. Typically, the system 10 is included on a muzzle-loading rifle 12, but it can be readily adapted for use on other types of muzzle-loading firearms by persons of ordinary skill in the art.

The system 10 includes a magazine 18 and a loading assembly 20. Preferably, the magazine 18 is provided by a housing 22 for containing one or more, and preferably a plurality of the ignition devices 14. For example, the magazine 18 may comprise a removable elongated housing 22 having a spring-biased floor mechanism 24 and an dispensing end 26 with an opening and a retainer for holding the ignition devices 14 until they are dispensed. In other words, the magazine 18 in this form is generally similar in construction and operation to a typical spring-driven ammunition clip for a modern breech-loading firearm, but adapted for the size and shape of the ignition devices 14. In alternate embodiments, the magazine 18 comprises a rotating cylinder similar in form to that of a modern revolver, a tubular magazine similar in form to that of a modern shotgun, a belt similar in form to that of a modern automatic weapon, a strip, roll, or ring of interconnected primers similar in form to caps used in cap guns, or another type of magazine suitable for storing and sequentially dispensing the ignition devices 14 into the breech 17 of the muzzle-loading firearm 12.

The magazine 18 is received by a receiver portion 30 of the muzzle-loading firearm 12. Preferably, the receiver portion 30 is provided by a vertical opening through the stock of the firearm 12 that is sized and shaped to removably receive the magazine 18. In alternate embodiments, the receiver portion 30 may provided by a channel formed into the side of the firearm, a track or retaining tabs extending from the side of the firearm, a recess formed into the top of the firearm, or another structure that positions the magazine 18 for sequentially feeding the ignition devices 14 into the breech 17 of the firearm 12. It will be understood that in alternative embodiments having an integral magazine that is not removable from the firearm (e.g., the tubular magazine), the receiver portion is not necessarily provided.

In addition, a release mechanism 32 is preferably provided for releasably securing the magazine 18 in place. For example, the magazine release mechanism 32 may be provided by a swivel or pivotal member, a spring-loaded member, a snap-tight fit, or another mechanism for releasably securing the magazine 18 to the firearm 12 for use and then selectively permitting its removal.

Turning now to the loading assembly 20, it is operable for sequentially loading the ignition devices 14 from the magazine 18 to the breech plug 28. As used herein, “breech plug” means any component that engages the primer and communicates the primer flash to the main powder charge, including external nipples. In the depicted embodiment, the loading assembly 20 comprises a sliding bolt assembly including a sliding bolt 34 that can be slidably actuated to open and close the breech by a bolt-action handle 36. The bolt 34 has a head 38 that, when the bolt is in its rear open position, engages the next ignition device 14a (see FIG. 2) from the magazine 18, which has been urged into the breech 17 by the spring-loaded floor 24, and advances it into or onto the breech plug 28.

In an example embodiment, the loading assembly includes a mechanism for setting the firing mechanism for firing (cocking the firing pin and/or arming the trigger) as the bolt is opened and closed. For safety reasons, in other example embodiments the loading assembly only serves to load and discharge the primers and the firing mechanism is set by an additional action. In other alternative sliding bolt embodiments, the loading assembly has a bolt that can be slidably actuated by a lever-action, a pump-action, a recoil-driven autoloading action, a gas-driven autoloading action, or another type of actuation mechanism. And in alternative embodiments where the magazine moves to dispense the next ignition device, it may be desirable to include a trigger-operated mechanism for automatically advancing the magazine immediately after the firearm is fired. For example, the loading assembly may include a trigger-operated mechanism for rotating the rotating cylinder magazine in the breech, a trigger-operated mechanism (e.g., a cam-driven pawl-and-lever mechanism) for feeding the belt magazine or the strip, roll, or ring of interconnected primers into the breech, or another type of mechanism for sequentially dispensing the ignition devices 14 to the breech of the muzzle-loading firearm 12.

In addition, an extractor 40 is provided to grip and position the ignition devices 14 on the breech plug 28 for firing when the sliding bolt is moved forward to its closed position, and for extracting and ejecting the spent ignition devices from the firearm 12 after firing when the sliding bolt is moved backward to its open position. Preferably, the extractor 40 comprises an arm extending forward from the bolt head 38 and having a lip 42 that engages a rim on the base of the ignition device 14 for removing it from the breech plug 28 when the bolt is opened. In addition, the extractor arm is preferably spring-loaded for pushing on the base of the extracted spent ignition devices 14 to eject them from the firearm 12. The extractor 40 in this form is generally similar in construction to a typical extractor/ejector for spent cartridges in conventional breech-loading firearms. In alternative embodiments, the extractor 40 is mounted in place adjacent the breech plug, includes a separate spring-loaded ejector, includes a pivotal spring-loaded member, or is otherwise configured for extracting and ejecting the spent ignition devices.

In the method of use of the depicted embodiment, the user loads one or more of the ignition devices 14 into the magazine 18 and installs the magazine into the receiver portion 30 of the muzzle-loading firearm 12. The user also loads the main powder charge and projectile into the barrel 16 of the muzzle-loading firearm 12 from the muzzle end, in typical fashion. Then the user actuates the loading assembly 20, as by retracting and advancing the sliding bolt 34, to engage and load the first ignition device 14 a (see FIG. 2), which has been urged from the magazine 18 into the breech 17, onto the breech plug 28 of the muzzle-loading firearm 12. The firing mechanism is set for firing and the safety mechanism, if provided, is released before firing. The muzzle-loading firearm 12 is then aimed at a target and fired, for example by actuating a trigger mechanism in typical fashion. After firing, the user actuates the loading assembly 20, as by retracting the sliding bolt 34, to extract and eject the spent first ignition device 14 a.

If desired, a second shot can be quickly and easily made by again loading a main powder charge and projectile into the muzzle end of the firearm barrel 16, advancing the loading assembly 20 to engage and load the second ignition device 14b from the magazine 18 onto the breech plug 28, and firing the firearm 12. In this way, the user does not need to manually load another ignition device into the firearm 12, but only to actuate the loading assembly 20 to advance the previously loaded ignition device 14 b from the magazine 18 onto the breech plug 28. And if the user wants to take additional shots, he or she can repeat this part of the process for subsequent ignition devices 14 c, 14 d, 14 e, and 14 f, as may be desired in a given situation.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, there is shown a multiple auto primer system 110 for a muzzle-loading firearm according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the first exemplary embodiment, the system 110 includes a magazine 118 for ignition devices 114 and a loading assembly 120. The loading assembly 120 loads the ignition devices from the magazine 118 to the breech plug 128 in the barrel 116 of the muzzle-loading firearm 112 when the sliding bolt 134 is cocked to the forward position of FIG. 6. And the extractor 140 engages and extracts the spent ignition devices 114 from the breech plug 128 when the sliding bolt 134 is cocked to the rear position of FIG. 5.

In this embodiment, the magazine 118 has a housing 122 with a curved channel 123 formed in it for storing the ignition devices 114, and a spring-loaded floor 124 for urging the ignition devices into the breech. The curved channel 123 accommodates the abutting rims of adjacent ignition devices 114 so that they fit more tightly and are more stable in the magazine 118. In addition, this embodiment has a magazine release mechanism 132 provided by a leaf spring-type clip for releasably securing the magazine 118 in place. Furthermore, this embodiment has a guide ramp 125 for guiding the ignition devices 114 onto the nipple of the breech plug 128 as they are engaged and pushed forward by the bolt head 138.

FIGS. 7-17 show a multiple auto primer system 210 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Similarly to the first and second embodiments, the system 210 is used in conjunction with a firearm 212 that generally comprises a trigger assembly 211, a barrel assembly 216, a bolt or loading assembly 220 and a primer magazine 218. Preferably, the system 210 is used in conjunction with a muzzle-loading rifle 212, but like the first and second exemplary embodiments, it can be readily adapted for use on other types of muzzle-loading firearms by persons of ordinary skill in the art.

In FIGS. 8 and 9 a primer magazine 218 is shown, including a housing 222 provided by, for example a body 219 and a removable sidewall 222 that are held together with screws. In alternate embodiments, the housing 222 may include two or more removable sides. The housing 222 has a curved primer channel 223 formed in it that holds primers 214 and a primer pusher assembly 224. In addition, the primer magazine 218 includes a primer retainer 226, a magazine release mechanism 232 and a primer ejector 241. The sidewall 222 is designed to prevent the parts inside the body 219 from coming out of their working positions, and to limit the backward travel of the bolt assembly 220 (not shown). In preferred embodiments, the body 219 is made from polyamide while the sidewall 222 is made from metal. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that other materials can be used.

The curved primer channel 223 preferably has at least one and preferably two lateral grooves 225 configured to receive the rims of the primers 214. This configuration restricts the orientation of the primers 214 in the magazine 218 such that they point the same way, as depicted in FIG. 9. In this way, the primers 214 can only be inserted into the magazine 218 in the proper orientation. It is preferred that the primer channel 223 is curved so as to allow the primers 214 to move inside the channel in an overlapped fashion, so that the casings 245 of the primers rest on each other while the rims 246 overlap. In doing so, the movement of the primers 214 inside the magazine 218 is very smooth and prevents the primers from becoming jammed. In alternate embodiments, the degree of curvature of the channel 223 may vary and may even be straight.

In the present embodiment, the primers 214 are forced out of the magazine and into the loading assembly 220 by the primer pusher assembly 224. The primer pusher 224 may include a pusher body 280 coupled with a compression spring 227. The spring 227 may be used to push the pusher body 280 through the primer channel 223. It can be seen from FIG. 9 that the pusher body 280 can feature a lip 282 that extends into the channel 223 between the primer rim 246 and an interior wall defining the channel, which helps keep the primers 214 in the overlapped fashion. Additionally, the primer pusher can have a lateral boss (not shown) that stops it from going out of the magazine if no primers are present. It is preferable, but not necessary, that the pusher body 280 be plastic.

To load the primer magazine 218, a user can hold the magazine in one hand and insert a primer 214 into the primer channel 223. As a user inserts a primer 214 into the channel 223, the previous primer or the primer pusher 224 is pressed inward with the curvature of the channel, ensuring that the casing 245 of the primer 214 overlaps the casing of the primer underneath. The lateral groove 225 guarantees that the primers can only be inserted in the correct fashion. Once entered into the magazine 218, a primer retainer engage 268 of the primer retainer 226 prevents the primers from exiting while the magazine is detached from the firearm 212. In this embodiment, the primer retainer engage 268 is provided by an arm pivotal to a locked position extending into the channel 223 to engage and restrain movement of the primers 214. A retainer spring 267 applies force to the primer retainer 226 and keeps the primer retainer engage 268 in contact with the primers 214. Of course, when loading the magazine 218, the user pivots the retainer engage 268, overcoming the force of the spring 267, to a released position out of the channel 223.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the magazine 218 is received by the firearm 212 through a receiver portion 230 (see FIG. 7). The magazine release mechanism 232 serves to engage the magazine 218 of the firearm as seen in FIG. 10. The magazine release mechanism 232 includes a pivotal release lever 233 that is selectively movable between a locked position to retain the magazine 218 in the firearm 212 and a released position permitting withdrawal of the magazine. As a user inserts the magazine 218 and it is accepted by the receiver portion 230, a head 284 of the pivotal release lever 233 moves along a finger 262 projecting from the stock 260 of the firearm 212. This movement by the pivotal release lever 233 compresses a release spring 266. The release lever head 284 continues to move along the finger 262 until it is forced into a recess 264 formed in the stock 260 by spring 266, locking the magazine 218 into place. Preferably, a user can release the magazine 218 from the firearm by pressing the release button 268 so that the release lever head 284 can slip past the finger 262, thereby disengaging the release mechanism 232 so that the magazine 218 can be removed.

FIG. 11 shows the magazine 218 in a locked position inside the firearm 212. In this position, a retainer release surface 226 a, such as the top of the primer retainer 226, has come into contact with the bolt assembly 234 and caused the primer retainer 226 to rotate about axis 266 b from the locked position to the released position, thereby releasing the primers 214. The bolt assembly 234 has a slot 235 that aligns with and receives the primer retainer engage 268 while still allowing the bottom of the bolt assembly to contact the primer retainer release 226 a. The slot 235 and retainer engage 268 may be offset laterally and the retainer release 226 a generally may be centered over the channel, or vice versa.

In this embodiment, it is preferred that the bolt assembly 234 generally comprises the body 270, the bolt action handle 236 (see FIG. 7), a rear plug 271, a firing pin 272, and the primer extractor 240. In FIG. 12, the bolt assembly 234 is shown retracted to its rear-most position. A stop 231 on the magazine 218 prevents the bolt assembly from traveling any farther towards the rear of the firearm 212. In this position, a catch 275 of the firing pin 272 automatically engages the safety 274, holding the firing pin in the cocked position with the firing pin spring 273 compressed. In this way, cocking the bolt assembly 234 automatically engages the safety, so that the firearm 212 can not be fired during the remainder of the loading process, until the safety is released for firing. It is preferable that a user is required to manually disengage the safety 274 in order for the firearm to be operational. This measure ensures that the firearm will not accidentally fire during the muzzle-loading procedure.

Additionally, when the bolt assembly 234 is at this position, it does not block the magazine channel 223 so that the primer pusher 224 automatically forces a primer 214 into the breech 217 and into engagement with the extractor 240. The extractor 240 includes at least one and preferably two feet 244 that extend from the front face of the bolt head 238, as depicted in FIGS. 13 and 13A. As a primer 214 is pushed out of the magazine 218, the extractor feet 242 secure the primer, so the primer will move with the bolt assembly 234. And a bolt head primer stop 239 stops the upward movement of the primer, preventing additional primers from exiting the magazine. It is preferred that the extractor 240 be configured to allow the primer 214 a small amount of play in order to prevent the primer from being prestressed. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the two extractor feet 244 are elastic so that they can slightly deform for ejecting the primers 214. If the magazine 218 becomes damaged and unusable, a user can still manually load a primer 214 into the breech plug 228. In preferred embodiments, the extractor feet 244 are tapered at the ends allowing them to more easily deform to release the primer 214. Preferably, the extractor 240 is a die-cast steel part, but this is not a requirement.

FIG. 14 depicts the bolt assembly 234 moving forward, as the primer 214 and the extractor 240 pass over the primer ejector 241. This movement of the bolt assembly 234 causes the ejector 241 to rotate in a counterclockwise motion in respect to axis 241 a, allowing the primer 214 and extractor 240 to advance. The firing pin 272 remains in the cocked position. When the bolt assembly 234 is in the forward position, shown in FIG. 15, the primer 214 is inserted into the breech plug 228. A user can then rotate the bolt action handle 236 to lock the bolt assembly 234 in place.

In order to ensure that the bolt assembly 234 keeps the primer 214 properly positioned against the breech plug 228, the bolt assembly 234 can be provided with a forward-biasing mechanism 248. In this embodiment, the forward-biasing mechanism 248 includes a recess 250 in the bolt body 270, a bolt action spring 276 in the recess, and a stop surface 252 against which the spring is compressed. For example, the recess 250 may be circumferentially formed in the bolt body 270 and the spring 276 provided by a helical compression spring coaxially arranged in the recess on the bolt body. It is preferable that the bolt action spring 276 work in opposition to the firing pin spring 273 in the position shown in FIG. 12, and therefore, that the bolt action spring be stronger than the firing pin spring. Using this configuration, the bolt body 270 exerts pressure on the primer 214 while the primer is in the breech plug 228, keeping the primer held in the breech plug under pressure.

As soon as a user manually releases the automatic safety 274, the firearm 212 is ready to shoot. FIG. 15 shows the firearm being fired, with the firing pin striking the primer.

After discharging the firearm, a user can unlock the bolt assembly 234 with the bolt action handle 236. Once unlocked, FIG. 16 shows the bolt assembly 234 moving rearward to eject the empty primer shell 214. As a user exerts force on the sliding bolt assembly 234 in the rearward direction, the ejector 241, now rotated back up into the breech, engages and forces the spent primer out of the breech 217. The ejector 241 cannot rotate clockwise in respect to axis 241 a because a stop 254 on the magazine 218 prevents this motion. The force exercised by the user on the bolt assembly 234, when the primer 214 is withdrawn into contact with the ejector 241, causes the bolt assembly 234 to be retracted past the ejector 241, but because of the blocking position of the ejector makes the extractor 240 give way elastically and ejects the primer 214 to one side. In order to ensure that the spent primer 214 is always ejected to the same side, the ejector engage 242 is preferably positioned on the opposite side to where the primer needs to come out. It is preferable that the extractor foot 244 on the side in which the primer needs to come out of the breech 217 has a higher bending strength than the opposite foot. In alternate embodiments, a first extractor foot 244 on the side designed to expel the spent primer 214 has a greater bending angle than a second foot oppositely positioned, to ensure that the second foot deforms first (see FIG. 13 a). In other embodiments, the extractor feet 244 may be of different lengths or selectively perforated to ensure that the designed foot deforms first. In still other embodiments, the feet 244 may be made out of different materials. FIG. 17 depicts the spent primer 214 being ejected as the bolt assembly 234 is further slid towards the rear of the firearm.

The bolt assembly 234 is then further retracted to the position of FIG. 12 to load the next primer 214, and the process is repeated until all the primers in the magazine 218 are used. Then the magazine 218 can be removed, reloaded with primers 214, and inserted back into the firearm for additional shooting as may be desired.

Accordingly, it can be seen that the present invention enables a user to pre-load a number of ignition devices into a muzzle-loading firearm, quickly and easily advance the ignition devices for firing, and quickly and easily extract and eject the spent ignition devices after firing, even when wearing gloves or when excited. In this way, a hunter may be able to get off a second shot before the prey has gotten out of sight and range. And for target-shooting and other shooting activities, the faster speed and greater ease of using the firearm makes shooting more enjoyable and productive.

While the invention has been disclosed in preferred forms for illustration purposes, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

1. An apparatus for carrying and loading a plurality of ignition devices into a muzzle-loading firearm having a breech plug, comprising: a magazine for containing the ignition devices; and a loading assembly for sequentially loading the ignition devices from the magazine into engagement with the breech plug of the firearm for firing.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an extractor for extracting the spent ignition devices from the breech plug of the firearm after firing.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the loading assembly comprises a sliding bolt, and the extractor comprises two extractor feet extending from the sliding bolt for securing the ignition device in the breech plug.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the extractor feet are configured differently from each other to cause the ignition devices to be selectively ejected in the same direction after firing.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an ejector for expelling the spent ignition devices from a breech of the firearm after firing.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the ejector pivots in and out of the breech and is selectively operated by the loading assembly, and wherein when the loading assembly is slid from a forward to a rear position the ejector operates to expel the spent ignition device from the breech.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a trigger assembly equipped with a safety mechanism, wherein the safety mechanism is automatically engaged when the sliding bolt is slid from a forward position to a rear position.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the magazine has a curved channel formed therein for receiving the ignition devices with rims of the ignition devices overlapping each other.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, where the channel further comprises at least one lateral groove for receiving a rim of each of the ignition devices so that the ignition devices can only be inserted into the channel in one orientation.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the magazine has a primer pusher therein for expelling the ignition devices from the magazine into a breech of the firearm, wherein the primer pusher includes a pusher body having a lip that extends between a rim of a first one of the ignition devices and a wall forming the channel to assist in the overlapping ignition device rim arrangement.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the magazine further comprises a primer retainer for securing the ignition devices therein, wherein the primer retainer is selectively operated by the loading assembly allowing the expulsion of the ignition devices from the magazine into a breech of the firearm.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the primer retainer has an engagement member and a retainer member that is laterally offset therefrom and configured so that, when the magazine is loaded in the firearm, the engagement member engages the loading assembly, which pivots the retainer member into a slot in the loading assembly and out of a position retaining the primers in the magazine.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the loading assembly includes a bolt, a firing pin, a firing spring, and a bolt spring that is separate from the firing spring and configured to bias the bolt forward to apply pressure to keep the ignition device in the breech plug.
 14. A magazine for use with a muzzle-loading firearm having a breech, a breech plug, and a loading assembly, the magazine comprising: a housing defining a channel configured to receive a plurality of ignition devices and sequentially dispense the ignition devices into the breech for loading into engagement with the breech plug by operation of the loading assembly.
 15. The magazine of claim 14, in combination with the plurality of ignition devices loaded therein.
 16. The magazine of claim 15, wherein the plurality of ignition devices are selected from the group consisting of percussion caps, musket caps, 0.209 shotshell primers, cartridges without a main charge or bullet, and blank ammunition.
 17. The magazine of claim 14, wherein the housing has a curved channel formed therein for receiving the ignition devices with rims of the ignition devices overlapping each other.
 18. The magazine of claim 17, where the channel further comprises at least one lateral groove for receiving a rim of each of the ignition devices so that the ignition devices can only be inserted into the channel in one orientation.
 19. The magazine of claim 17, further comprising a primer pusher therein for expelling the ignition devices from the magazine into a breech of the firearm, wherein the primer pusher includes a pusher body having a lip that extends between a rim of a first one of the ignition devices and a wall forming the channel to assist in the overlapping ignition device rim arrangement.
 20. The magazine of claim 14, further comprising a primer retainer for securing the ignition devices therein, where the primer retainer is selectively operated by the loading assembly allowing the expulsion of the ignition devices from the magazine into a breech of the firearm.
 21. The magazine of claim 20, wherein the primer retainer has an engagement member and a retainer member that is laterally offset there from and configured so that, when the magazine is loaded in the firearm, the engagement member engages the loading assembly, which pivots the retainer member into a slot in the loading assembly and out of a position retaining the primers in the magazine.
 22. In a muzzle-loading firearm having a breech, a barrel with a breech end, and a breech plug in the breech end of the barrel, the improvement comprising: an apparatus for sequentially dispensing and loading a plurality of ignition devices into the breech and into engagement with the breech plug of the muzzle-loading firearm for firing.
 23. The improvement of claim 22, wherein the apparatus comprises: a magazine for containing a plurality of ignition devices; and a loading assembly for sequentially loading the ignition devices from the magazine into engagement with the breech plug of the muzzle-loading firearm for firing.
 24. A muzzle-loading firearm, comprising: a breech; a barrel having a breech end; a breech plug in the breech end of the barrel; a magazine for containing a plurality of ignition devices; and a loading assembly for sequentially loading ignition devices from the magazine to the breech and then to the breech plug of the firearm.
 25. The muzzle-loading firearm of claim 24, further comprising a receiver portion defined in the firearm for removably receiving the magazine.
 26. A method for sequentially loading a plurality of ignition devices into a muzzle-loading firearm, the method comprising: providing a magazine for receiving the ignition devices; loading the ignition devices into the magazine; loading the magazine into the muzzle-loading firearm; and loading a first one of the ignition devices from the magazine to the breech plug of the firearm for firing.
 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising extracting a spent first ignition device from the breech plug of the firearm after firing.
 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising ejecting the extracted first ignition device from the firearm.
 29. The method of claim 28, further comprising loading a subsequent one of the ignition devices from the magazine to the breech plug of the firearm. 